Method and system for wireless communication

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication device may have several contact buttons, including, for example, a Mom button, a Dad button and a Home button. The device may also have a Send button and an End button. A child may press one of the contact buttons, then dial Send, and a call will be placed to the specifically denoted contact. Accordingly, a child may easily and efficiently use the present invention to quickly wirelessly communicate with another person, without the confusion of extraneous buttons. The wireless device can be remotely programmed such that a parent or other person may remotely program the numbers called when the contact buttons are pressed. Accordingly, if a parent or other person plan to change locations, the device may be remotely reprogrammed with a different contact number for that parent. The wireless communication device may be reprogrammed via a telephone call from a remote location or from a computer via the Internet.

[0001] This application claims priority to provisional applicationserial No. 60/435,819 filed on Dec. 20, 2002 and U.S. patent application29/193,702 filed on Nov. 12, 2003. The subject matter of thoseapplications is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to wireless communication devicesand, more particularly, to a method and system for wirelesscommunication that may be used by children.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Increasingly, the use of wireless communication devices hasbecome popular as wireless communication technology has provided forimproved wireless communication devices at relatively lower prices.Presently, a wide variety of cellular phones and other wireless devicesare available for use by consumers.

[0006] With regard to cellular phones, these devices typically include alarge number of advanced and high-tech features that provide for a widerange of functionality for a large number of users. People regularly usecellular phones to chat with friends, to keep in contact with businessassociates while away from the office and in emergency situations.

[0007] Parents often find it convenient for their children to havecellular phones. Specifically, in a variety of emergency or othersituations, children may use a cellular phone to call home or call theirparents for assistance. Such situations typically include, for example,when a child becomes lost, needs to be picked up from school, orotherwise needs the assistance of a parent or someone from home.Presently available cellular phones, however, have certain deficiencieswhen used by children, and most particularly when used by smallerchildren.

[0008] One such deficiency is that many children have difficultyremembering phone numbers and/or have difficulty pressing the correctbuttons (often eleven or more) in the correct order to properly initiatea call. This difficulty is typically increased if the child is panickedor otherwise nervous or scared. While many phones have preset speed dialnumbers that allow for the dialing of a particular number with a singlekeystroke, the presence of a relatively large number of keys on thephone often makes these speed dials difficult for children to use. Thissituation is typically exacerbated by the presence of additionalfunction keys on the cellular phone such as up arrow, down arrow, “#”,“*” and others. In addition, the speed dial function is typically asecondary function for a button, and consequently, the speed dial keysare typically not labeled with anything other than a number or symbol,which is not related to the speed dial function. Accordingly, the nameof the individual or place that the speed dial is calling is not readilyapparent. In addition, while some cellular phones allow a person toscroll a cursor up and down an LCD or similar display with alphanumericnames, this type of scrolling function is also often difficult andcumbersome for children to use.

[0009] Furthermore, speed dial keys on cellular phones must typically beprogrammed from the phone itself. Accordingly, it is not possible for aparent to change a contact number while positioned at a location remotefrom the child and the cellular phone. Consequently, it is not possiblefor the parent to change locations and contact phone numbers when at alocation remote from the child and cell phone.

[0010] In addition, the size, shape and layout of present cell phonesmake them cumbersome and awkward for use by children. Many of the phonesare too large for use by children. Others are relatively small, butpossess a shape that is difficult for a child to hold and/or use.

[0011] As an alternative to the above-discussed devices, there have beenproduced wireless devices that include a single “panic button” and allowa child (or typically an elderly person) to press the single button andwirelessly alert a central station that a problem exists. Deficienciesalso exist, however, with these types of devices when used by children.

[0012] One such deficiency is that these “panic button” devicestypically do not allow a child to initiate voice communications withpersonnel at the central station. As a consequence, a child may onlywish to press the “panic button” in the face of an extreme emergencysituation, such as an accident, and not in other cases when it otherwisemight be convenient such as to get picked up from school. In addition,because the child cannot have voice communications with the centralstation (or with a parent), a “false alarm” or other erroneous push ofthe panic button cannot easily be mitigated and a full response willensue nevertheless.

[0013] Another deficiency of the “panic button” systems is that thephone number to be dialed is typically hard programmed into the device,and reprogramming of the number to be called may not be easilyaccomplished. In addition, only a single number may typically be dialedwhen the “panic button” is depressed. As such, a need exists for animproved method and system for wireless communication.

SUMMARY

[0014] A wireless communication device that may be easily used bychildren is described herein to satisfy these needs. In one embodiment,the device may have several contact buttons or keys, including a Mombutton, a Dad button and a Home button. The Device may also have a Send(or Talk) button and an End button. A child may press one of the contactbuttons, then press Send, and a call will be placed to the specificallydenoted contact. For example, if a child desires to call his mother sothat he may be picked up from school, the child would simply push theMom button, then the Send button. A call would be placed to the child'smother, and the two could talk and arrange for a pickup. At the end ofthe call, the child would press End. Likewise, a child can receiveincoming calls by pressing the Send, Mom, Dad or Home buttons.Accordingly, a child may easily, efficiently and quickly wirelesslycommunicate with another person, without the confusion associated withextraneous buttons.

[0015] Another embodiment provides for remote programming of thewireless device such that a patent or other person may remotely programthe numbers called when the contact buttons are pushed. Accordingly, ifa parent or other person plans to change locations, the device may beremotely reprogrammed with a different contact number for that parent.The wireless communication device may be reprogrammed via a telephonecall from a remote location or may be reconfigured from a computer viathe Internet. The wireless communication device can also be reprogrammedthrough a serial connection to a personal computer or through use of amenu on the wireless communication device itself.

[0016] Accordingly, by way of a simple user interface with relativelyfew buttons, a child may easily contact his parents or others in anemergency or other situation. By providing for remote reprogramming ofthe phone numbers accessed by the wireless device, parents or others mayconveniently reprogram contact numbers so that they may be contactedafter changing locations. Thus, the various embodiments described hereinovercome the limitations of present wireless communications devices.

[0017] Other objects and features will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description, considered in conjunction with theaccompanying system schematics and flow diagrams. It is understood,however, that the drawings, are solely for the purpose of illustrationand not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for whichreference should be made to the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0018] In the drawing figures, which are merely illustrative, andwherein like reference numerals depict like elements throughout theseveral views:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overview of an exemplaryembodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communicationdevice;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an overview of another exemplaryembodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communicationdevice;

[0021]FIG. 3 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of a process ofconfiguring a wireless communication device;

[0022]FIG. 4 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of anotherprocess of configuring a wireless communication device;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system for configuring a wirelesscommunication device;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another system for configuring awireless communication device;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting illustrative screen shots forconfiguring a wireless communication device;

[0027]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of awireless communication device;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device; and

[0035]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a wirelesscommunication device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0036] There will now be shown and described in connection with theattached drawing figures several exemplary embodiments of a system andmethod for wireless communication.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram ofan overview of an exemplary embodiment of the system architecture of awireless communication device. Wireless communication device 100 isshown having contact buttons 110, 112 and 114. In an exemplaryembodiment, contact button 110 may be used to facilitate calling thechild's “Home,” contact button 112 may be used to contact another personsuch as, for example, the child's mother, or “Mom,” and contact button114 may be used to contact another person such as, for example, thechild's father, or “Dad.”

[0038] The contact buttons may have easily identifiable icons or symbolsto facilitate easy dialing by a child. In addition, the identifyingicons or symbols may be selectably changeable and/or removable such thatthe contact buttons may have different symbols or icons as dictated bythe needs of the particular child. The symbols or icons may beselectable, by way of non-limiting example, by having removable andinterchangeable buttons with icons thereon, removable identificationlabels, or other similar identifying methods. The communications device100 may also have communications buttons 116, 118. The communicationbuttons may include Send (or Talk) button 116 and End button 118.

[0039] Communications device 100 may be controlled by Microprocessor 130which facilitates and coordinates the electronic processes of wirelesscommunications device 100 as is known by those skilled in the art.Wireless communication device 100 may also include a power button 120,for turning wireless communications device 100 on, increase volumebutton 122, for increasing the speaker volume, and decrease volumebutton 124, for decreasing the speaker volume of the device.

[0040] Wireless communications device 100 may also have power supply132, designed and configured as is known in the art. Power Supply 132may work in conjunction with rechargeable or other batteries as is knownby those skilled in the art, while an interface with power chargeroutlet 134 which may selectively be coupled with a power charging devicesuch as a DC phone charger as is known by those skilled in the art.

[0041] Wireless communications device 100 may also have memory 136which, when used in conjunction with microprocessor 130, may be used tostore on board software and/or firmware programs to implement thefunctionality of the wireless communications device 100. Memory 136 mayalso include storage for phone numbers such as those which will beassociated with the Home button 110, the Mom button 112, and the Dadbutton 114.

[0042] Wireless communications device 100 may also have power light 138which will indicate when wireless communication device 100 has beenturned on as is known by those skilled in the art. Power light 138 mayalso be used to indicate or signal other status conditions as determinedby the programs executed by microprocessor 130.

[0043] Wireless communications device 100 may also have radio frequencyantenna 170 which may, as needed, both receive and send radio frequencysignals for wireless communication as is known by those skilled in theart. Signals received by a radio frequency antenna 170 may be processedby cellular receiver 156, amplified by audio amplifier 158 and, in turn,transmitted through speaker 160 such that an audible signal may be heardby a user.

[0044] The user may communicate with others by speaking into microphone150, which when coupled with cellular transmitter 152 may wirelesslytransmit a signal via radio frequency antenna 170 to other listeners.Dialer 154 may be used to facilitate the dialing functionality of thewireless communications device 100 as is known by those skilled in theart.

[0045] While wireless communication device 100 is described herein asbeing a cellular communication device, and specifically a cell phone,wireless communication device may be designed, in accordance with thepresent invention, to transmit signals via any wireless means now known,or hereafter developed, as guided by the present disclosure, asinterpreted by a person skilled in the art.

[0046] With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown wireless communicationsdevice 200, which may include the same components as those referencedwith regard to wireless communications device 100. In addition, wirelesscommunications device 200 may also have a global positioning satellite(“GPS”) receiver 210 coupled to microprocessor 130. GPS receiver 210 maybe used to provide positioning information for wireless communicationsdevice 200 and consequently, the child using wireless communicationsdevice 200, such that wireless communications device 200 and the childusing it may be readily located by a parent or other person as is knownby those skilled in the art.

[0047] With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a flow diagramillustrating an exemplary method for programming contact buttons 110,112, 114. First, a parent may enter a phone number, depending on whichcontact button the parent wishes to program. In this step, each buttonmay have its own dedicated phone number and the parent dials therespective phone number of the contact number to be programmed, as isshown in step 310. Alternatively, the system may be configured such thata single phone number is dialed and the parent chooses via a touch-tonedirectory, which contact button will be programmed.

[0048] Next, the parent may inform a wireless carrier operator or otherentity of the particular contact number to be associated with theparticular contact button, as is shown in step 312. This step ofinforming of the phone number may be accomplished by speaking with aperson, or may be executed via an automated touch-tone system or othersuch system as is known to those skilled in the art.

[0049] Next, the wireless operator or other such entity configureswireless communications device 100 using an automated software system torelay the programming number via wireless communication to wirelesscommunications device 100, as is shown in step 314.

[0050] Next, as a result of the previously discussed steps, contactbuttons 110, 112, and 114 may be programmed with predetermined phonenumbers such that a child may use wireless communications device 100 tocontact a parent or home or other preselected location, as is shown instep 316. This process may be performed repetitively, such that thebuttons on wireless communication device 100 may be reprogrammed inaccordance with the contact numbers of the parents or other suchresponsible person.

[0051] With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a method 400 forprogramming the contact buttons 110, 112, 114 of wireless communicationsdevice 100 from a computer via the Internet.

[0052] First, the parents may log onto an appropriate Web site in aprocess that is commonly known via a Web browser on a computer connectedto the Internet in step 410. Next, a series of prompts and input fieldson the Web page may allow the parent to enter a specific securitypassword to both allow access to the system and associate theconfiguration data with their child's particular phone in step 412.Next, the parents may, through mouse clicks or other means, selectfields associated with each one of contact buttons 110, 112, 114 andenter in the appropriate contact numbers to be dialed in step 414. Next,upon confirming that the numbers entered are correct, the user may clickon an “Enter” or “OK” button and the appropriate numbers are wirelesslycommunicated to wireless communications device 100 such that wirelesscommunication device 100 is programmed with the appropriate contactnumbers in step 416. After this process has finished, wirelesscommunications device 100 is then ready for use as is shown in step 418.

[0053] With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of a wireless communications device 500 made in accordancewith the present invention. Wireless communications device 500 ispreferably designed such that it may be easily held and used by a childand specifically a small child. Wireless communications device 500 mayhave a body 510 shaped and contoured for easy gripping by the hands of achild. Wireless communications device 500 may have a height H1preferably in the range of 0.25 to 1 inch, and more preferably about0.531 inches. An embodiment of wireless communications device 500 mayhave a width W1 preferably in the range of 1 to 2 inches, and morepreferably about 1.5 inches. Wireless communications device 500 may havea length preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 inches, and morepreferably about 3.079 inches.

[0054] Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a block diagram of a system forconfiguring a wireless communication device 100 by a parent, asdescribed above. The parent accesses a phone 610, and calls a designatednumber for configuration station 620. Telephone 610 may contactconfiguration station 620 either via wireless communication path 630, orvia wired communication path 632, in accordance with the specific typeof telephone 610 used.

[0055] A configuration signal is then transmitted via wirelesscommunication path 634 to wireless communication device 100, thusconfiguring the contact buttons on wireless communication device 100 forthe appropriate contact numbers.

[0056] In an embodiment, the parent may forward the contact numberconfiguration information by speaking with a person at the configurationstation 620. In another embodiment, the parent may forward the contactnumber configuration information by way of a touch-tone menu as is knownin the art. In either case, configuration of wireless communicationdevice 100 may be facilitated by configuring software 640, which residesat configuration station 620. A password will ordinarily be required toprogram the wireless communication device via telephone.

[0057] Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown a block diagram of anothersystem for configuring a wireless communication device 100 by a parent,as described above. The parent accesses a computer 710 connected to theInternet. The parent accesses a Web site related to configurationstation 620 via the Internet over communication path 732. Theappropriate contact information is entered into the pages of the Website, as is described in more detail below.

[0058] A configuration signal is then transmitted via wirelesscommunication path 634 to wireless communication device 100, thusconfiguring the contact buttons on wireless communication device 100 forthe appropriate contact numbers.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 8, there are shown two illustrative Webpages 810, 830 for the entry of configuration information by a parent,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Web page 810may have phone number entry field 812. A parent may access Web page 810,and enter the phone number (or other appropriate identificationinformation such as a serial number, name of the child, social securitynumber, etc.) of the phone to be configured. The parent next enters asecurity password into enter password field 814. After the appropriateinformation has been entered, the parent actuates the “OK” button togain entry to the appropriate configuration Web page 830.

[0060] Web page 830 may have various fields 832, 834, 836 for enteringcontact number information for the parent(s) or other contactnumber/location. When these fields have been satisfactorily filled in,the respective update or “OK” buttons 838, 840, 842 may be actuated toconfigure the appropriate contact information to be transmitted towireless communication device 100.

[0061] Alternatively, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in theart, the wireless communication device can be programmed through aserial connection to a personal computer or by use of a menu on thewireless communication device itself.

[0062] With reference to FIGS. 9-17, there is shown an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, wirelesscommunication device may have Home button 110, Mom button 11, and Dadbutton 112. The physical locations of other features in this embodimentof the invention are also shown, such as Send (or Talk) button 116, Endbutton 118, microphone 150, display 180, speaker 160 and power light138. An embodiment of the present invention may also have retentionstrap 1110 attachable to wireless communication device 100 by way ofconnector 1120.

[0063] In use, a child may take wireless communications device 100 alongwith him or her to school or to other activities. If the child is lost,or needs to be picked up or is injured, or otherwise needs the help of aparent or adult, the child may push one of the appropriate contactbuttons 110, 112, 114, press the Send button and be wirelessly incommunication with a parent or other person at the child's home.Likewise, if a parent needs to contact the child, the parent may callthe child's cellular communication device and the child can answer thecall by pressing the Send button to communicate with the parent. A callis terminated by pressing the End button. If a parent wants to change acontact number while located remotely from the child and the wirelesscommunications device 100, the parent only need dial the phone number,or access a Web site, as described above and change and update thenumber.

[0064] A benefit of the present invention is that a child may easilydial and communicate with a parent without need to remember a phonenumber, or to determine which of a large number of buttons to press.Furthermore, even though only a few buttons need be used, the child mayhave voice communications with the parent or other person such thatfalse alarms may be communicated, and non-emergency communications maybe facilitated without overreaction by any of the parties.

[0065] A number of features can be incorporated into the wirelesscommunication device described herein to facilitate use by a child. Forexample, the wireless communication device may incorporate featureswhich indicate to the child the origin of an incoming call or therecipient of the outgoing call. Thus, for incoming calls, various ringtones can be used with the cellular communication device. A first ringtone can be used if an incoming call is from the number associated withthe Mom button, a second ring tone can be used if the incoming call isfrom the number associated with the Home button, a third ring tone canbe used if the incoming call is from the number associated with the Dadbutton and a fourth ring tone can be used if the incoming call is from anumber that does not match any of the numbers associated with thebuttons on the wireless communication device. In addition, the displaymay also indicate Mom, Dad or Home with respect to calls being receivedfrom the numbers associated with the Mom, Dad or Home buttons on thecellular communication device.

[0066] Likewise, the wireless communication device may be fitted withindicator light which glows (e.g. blinks) a color specific to eachoutgoing call button. Thus, a green indicator light can glow to indicatethat an outgoing call is being placed to the number associated with theMom button, an orange indicator light can glow to indicate that a callis being placed to the number associated with the Dad button, a blueindicator light can glow to indicate that an outgoing call is beingplaced to the number associated with the Dad button and a red indicatorlight can glow to indicate that an outgoing call is being placed to 911.In addition, the words Mom, Dad or Home can appear on the display toindicate the number to which an outgoing call is being placed. Theindicator light can also be used to indicate the origin of incomingcalls or can be randomly cycled through all available colors when a callis incoming or if an incoming call does not correspond to any of thenumbers associated with the buttons on the phone.

[0067] The various ring tones and indicator light colors may also beprogrammed remotely (as described with respect to programming of thecontact buttons with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6-8) through a serialconnection to a personal computer or by use of a menu on the wirelesscommunication device itself. However, programming of the ring tones andindicator lights need not require entry of a password and hence can bedone by the child user of the wireless communication device.

[0068] The cellular communication device can also incorporate callwaiting. This could be activated by the child by pressing the Sendbutton when, during a cellular communications call, an audible or visualindication is given that a second call is being received. A number ofcalling options that are standard on cellular telephones, for example,call forwarding, three way calling, call hold and auto answer, are todifficult for a child to use and are not incorporated in the preferredembodiment.

[0069] While the present invention has been described in reference touse by children, the present invention may also be used with elderlypersons, or with persons whose capacities may require the type ofassistance provided by the present invention.

[0070] Furthermore, while the present invention has been described withreference to contact persons such as parents, the present invention mayalso be used with other contact persons such as, by way of non-limitingexample, school supervisors, caregivers, nurses, and the like.

[0071] While the invention has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments, it will be understood that modifications thereofwithin the principles outlined above will be evident to those skilled inthe art and thus, the invention is not limited to the preferredembodiments but is intended to encompass such modifications.

What is claimed:
 1. A wireless communication device, comprising: amicroprocessor; a memory device electrically connected to saidmicroprocessor; and a plurality of buttons electrically connected tosaid microprocessor; wherein each of said buttons may be used inconjunction with the microprocessor and memory device to initiate a callto a predetermined telephone number.
 2. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein said buttons require only a single press toselect the telephone number to be dialed.
 3. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein said plurality of buttons consists of threebuttons.
 4. The wireless communication device of claim 3, wherein theplurality of buttons consists of a Mom button, a Dad button, and a Homebutton.
 5. The wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein thepredetermined telephone numbers associated with each of the buttons maybe remotely programmed.
 6. The wireless communication device of claim 5,wherein the wireless communication device is remotely programmable via atelephone.
 7. The wireless communication device of claim 5, wherein thewireless communication device is remotely programmable via a computercoupled to the Internet.
 8. The wireless communication device of claim3, wherein the wireless communication device is housed within a bodyhaving dimensioned easily handled by a child.
 9. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 1, further comprising multiple ring tonescorresponding to the predetermined telephone numbers associated with thebuttons.
 10. The wireless communication device of claim 1, furthercomprising an indicator light, wherein during an incoming call from thepredetermined telephone number associated with one of the buttons, theindicator light glows in a color corresponding to the predeterminednumber associated with the button.
 11. The wireless communication deviceof claim 1, further comprising an indicator light, wherein during anoutgoing call to the predetermined telephone number associated with oneof the buttons, the indicator light glows in a color corresponding tothe predetermined number associated with the button.
 12. A wirelesscommunication device, comprising: means for processing wirelesstelecommunications; means for storing a predetermined telephone number;and means for initiating a call to the predetermined telephone number.13. The wireless communication device of claim 12, wherein the means forinitiating a call comprise buttons requiring only a single press toselect a telephone number to be dialed.
 14. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 12, wherein the means for initiating a call consists ofthree buttons.
 15. The wireless communication device of claim 14,wherein the means for initiating a call consists of a Mom button, a Dadbutton, and a Home button.
 16. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, wherein the means for storing a predetermined telephone numbermay be remotely programmed.
 17. The wireless communication device ofclaim 16, wherein the means for storing a predetermined telephone numberis remotely programmable via a telephone.
 18. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 16, wherein the means for storing a predeterminedtelephone number is remotely programmable via a computer coupled to theInternet.
 19. The wireless communication device of claim 12, furthercomprising the means for generating multiple ring tones corresponding tothe predetermined telephone numbers associated with the buttons.
 20. Thewireless communication device of claim 12, further comprising a meansfor indicating whether an incoming call is from the predeterminedtelephone number associated with one of the buttons.
 21. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 12, further comprising a means forindicating whether an outgoing call is to the predetermined telephonenumber associated with one of the buttons.
 22. A wireless communicationdevice, comprising: a microprocessor; a memory device electricallyconnected to said microprocessor; and a plurality of buttonselectrically connected to said microprocessor, each of said buttonsassigned to a specific programmed contact number that comprises aplurality of digits, wherein each of said contact numbers can beremotely programmed into said memory device without assistance from auser of the wireless communication device, and said buttons eachinitiate a call to its assigned contact number.
 23. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 22, wherein the device is remotelyprogrammed with said contact number via a telephone call from a remotelocation or from a computer via the Internet.
 24. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 22, wherein the device is remotelyreprogrammed with a different contact number.
 25. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 22, wherein the plurality of buttonsconsists of universally identifiable icons or symbols to facilitatedialing by a child.
 26. The wireless communication device of claim 25,wherein said plurality of buttons are selectably changeable or removablesuch that the contact buttons may have different symbols or icons asdictated by the needs of a particular user.
 27. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 22, wherein said contact number is atelephone number, a pager number, a fax number, an e-mail address, orany combination thereof.
 28. A method of using a wireless communicationdevice having a microprocessor, a memory device electrically connectedto said microprocessor; and a plurality of buttons connected to saidmicroprocessor, each of said buttons assigned to a specific programmedcontact number that comprises a plurality of digits, comprising:remotely programming said contact number into said memory device withoutassistance from a user of the wireless communication device.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, further comprising remotely reprogramming adifferent contact number.
 30. The method of claim 28, further comprisinginitiating a call by depressing one of said buttons to contact itsassigned contact number.
 31. A method of using a wireless communicationdevice having a microprocessor, a memory device electrically connectedto said microprocessor; and a plurality of buttons connected to saidmicroprocessor, each of said buttons assigned to a specific programmedcontact number that comprises a plurality of digits, comprising:remotely programming a contact number into said memory device by aprogrammer via a telephone call from a remote location or a computer viathe Internet; remotely reprogramming a different contact number intosaid memory device after said programmer changes locations and withoutthe assistance from a user of the wireless communication device; andinitiating a call to said contact number by depressing one of saidbuttons.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising selectablyinterchanging said buttons to different symbols or icons as dictated bythe needs of a particular user.